INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A judge says restorative justice was successfully used in Indiana to remediate a confrontation in which a Black man said a group of white men assaulted him and threatened to “get a noose” while at a southern Indiana lake more than a year ago.
The alleged assault gained national attention in July 2020 when Vauhxx Booker, a local civil rights activist and member of the Monroe County Human Rights Commission, said he called 911 after five men assaulted him and pinned him to a tree at Lake Monroe, just south of Bloomington.
Judge Lance Hamner said it was the first time he’s seen a criminal case resolved through restorative justice, a process that includes a conference between the offender and victim and which gives the offender an opportunity to apologize.
PREVIOUS | 2 charged in July 4 Monroe Lake incident: 'This is about justice.' | Call 6: Special prosecutor & change of venue to be requested in alleged racial attack at Lake Monroe| Attorney for Vauhxx Booker denies he instigated Lake Monroe incident | Vauhxx Booker responds to newly filed charges: 'This has been humiliating and defeating'
-
A tale of two farms: Indiana's 2025 strawberry season
Strawberries are tiny berries, but a lot of hard work goes into producing them in Indiana. Hail can destroy berries quickly, and too much rain can destroy a crop.Indiana School for the Deaf forced to cut 26 staff members
The Indiana Association of the Deaf states this budget crisis is forcing 26 staff members to be cut, including teachers, nurses and more.Hudnut legacy shines as Pacers reach NBA Finals
The Pacers continued success not only celebrates the team's dedication but also honors William Hudnut's enduring legacy in the Indianapolis community.Crawfordsville expanding senior ride service into public transit system
Sunshine Vans will become an on-demand ride service for all ages, including Wabash College students. The revamped Sunshine Vans will launch in January 2026.